Italy’s summer reawakening! Sensational events and stunning landscapes galore this season

Biennale Architettura 2025, Venice - From 10 May to 23 November 2025
Venice once again becomes the beating heart of creativity as it hosts the Biennale Architettura 2025 – 19th International Architecture Exhibition– under the direction of Carlo Ratti and entitled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” An inspiring journey across nature and technology, where over 750 brilliant minds – including architects, scientists, philosophers, and artists – have come together to fashion shared solutions to today’s global challenges. 
 

Festa della Lavanda, Assisi - Weekends from middle June to 6 July 2025
From late June to early July, Castelnuovo di Assisi turns a dreamy shade of lilac for the 16th edition of the Festa della Lavanda (Lavender Festival) — an outstanding sensory experience at the heart of the Lavandeto di Assisi. Embrace the sights and smells of scented rows of lavender in flower and enjoy a unique event featuring guided tours, local crafts, yoga, sweet alpacas, horses, and evening picnics with live music. And for those who cherish a more tranquil style, the magic of lavender bloom can also be enjoyed on weekdays.
 

Lotus Flower Bloom, Mantua – July and August
In July and August, Lake Superior dons a rather dreamlike aspect as the lotus flowers come into bloom — a rare event in Europe that offers truly enchanting views. Rivaling the famous displays in Japan, these extraordinary flowers paint the lakes of the Mantuan countryside with vibrant colours and timeless charm. In the heart of UNESCO-listed Mantua, this natural wonder is a sight you cannot miss if you’re searching for the epitome of pure beauty along the shores of this wondrous lake.

Sunflower Bloom, Central Italy – Between June and August
As summer warmth sets in, the Italian countryside is aglow with golden hues — it’s the sunflower season, and from June to early August, the landscape unleashes a series of iconic scenes. In the heart of Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna, rolling fields of bright yellow blossoms enhance the magic of enchanting places like Val d’Orcia, Valdichiana, and the Crete Senesi. An all-embracing journey among warm colours and summer scents along gentle pathways — perfect for slow walks and unforgettable photos.
 

Palio di Siena, Tuscany – 2 July and 16 August 2025
Step into Italy’s medieval tradition with the legendary horse race in Siena’s historic Piazza del Campo — an experience steeped in passion, history, and identity. Held twice a year, the Palio di Siena captures the fierce spirit of the city’s 17 medieval Contrade, following rules passed down since 1633. For centuries, these communities have challenged each other in a heart-pounding race around the iconic, shell-shaped square. The Palio is far more than a competition — it’s a timeless cultural event that reveals the true, beating heart of Siena.
 

La Notte della Taranta, Apulia - 23 August 2025
Now in its 28th edition, La Notte della Taranta is Italy’s largest traditional folk music festival and one of the most extraordinary events in Europe. Founded in 1998, it celebrates pizzica — the ancestral dance and rhythm of Salento — blending it with jazz, rock, symphonic music and sounds with an international flavour. This travelling musical experience winds through the picturesque towns of Grecìa Salentina, culminating in the legendary “Concertone” in Melpignano, which attracts over 150,000 passionate fans each year.

Ravello Festival, Amalfi Coast – From 6 July to 25 August 2025
This year marks the 73rd edition of one of Italy’s most enchanting music festivals, with concerts set in the breathtaking cliffside gardens of Villa Rufolo overlooking the sea. A rich and diverse program blends symphonic music, jazz, and dance with the unmistakable magic of the Amalfi Coast. An experience where art and nature combine to awaken the senses and stir the soul.
 

National Pepper Fair, Carmagnola (Piedmont) - From 29 August to 7 September 2025
The National Pepper Fair celebrates its 76th edition, standing as one of Italy’s most popular food and wine events. A vibrant program of flavours and entertainment will bring the town to life with tastings, cultural events, artistic performances, concerts, and much more — all dedicated to celebrating this delicious vegetable and the authentic local traditions. A must for food lovers and anyone eager to savour Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
 

Cheese, Bra (Piedmont) - From 19 to 22 September 2025
Bra, the capital of Slow Food, is home to “Cheese” — the world’s largest event dedicated to raw milk cheeses. Every two years, nearly 500 producers from around the globe gather to celebrate Italian and international excellence, offering a rich program of tastings, talks, and debates focused on sustainability and food education. A not-to-be-missed event for cheese lovers and anyone curious to explore the time-honoured secrets of this culinary culture.

Barcolana, Trieste – From 3 to 12 October 2025
Barcolana, the world’s largest sailing race, lights up the Gulf of Trieste every year on the second Sunday of October. Now in its 57th edition, this extraordinary international event is a thrilling blend of a competitive race and the vibrant atmosphere of an authentic popular festival. An unforgettable experience for sea lovers, sailing enthusiasts, and anyone chasing the thrill of wind and waves.